Providence Recruiting, Ray Mernagh

PROVIDENCE COMMIT ALEX GAVRILOVIC EXCITED

by RAY MERNAGH

The distance from Strasbourg, France to Providence, Rhode Island is long, especially when you consider the trip included a one season layover in Florida at IMG Academy for power forward Alex Gavrilovic.

A year ago when Gavrilovic arrived at IMG he had one goal in mind: “I wanted to play the highest level college basketball in the US,” he said over the phone Saturday evening.

And even though it took awhile for high-majors to jump in — most were waiting on his test scores which he took in April — Gavrilovic had 20-25 serious suitors monitoring his progress weekly just waiting to see how the whole qualifying process went. It went fine, and some of those schools (mostly mid-majors) are probably kicking themselves for not offering earlier in the process because as soon as he qualified they were offering the offensively skilled post player at the same time as schools from the Big Boy leagues.

Gavrilovic took a visit to Providence, liked what he saw, and told Keno Davis and his staff “oui” when they asked if he wanted to become a Friar.

Mission accomplished as far as wanting to play at the highest collegiate level — and props to IMG and Dan Barto for helping the kid get ready.

“I came to US to play college at highest level and IMG helped me with toughness,” said Gavrilovic. “Skills too, but toughness was biggest thing because game is tougher in US than in Europe, much more physical.” Asked what he thinks he’ll contribute the Frenchman didn’t hesitate.

“I will be a scoring four man,” he said, “I can both face up and drive, shoot mid-range to three, and play in the post. I finish with both hands strongly and want to help Providence win games.” If it sounds like Gavrilovic is ready he truly is chomping at the bit.

“It’s very exciting to sign with Providence,” he said, “I watch Big East all last year on ESPN and it’s amazing that I will play in the league…I can’t wait. It’s also easy trip from France with Boston being only 45 minute drive so my parents are excited too!”

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